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9:05 Held a Board of Equalization meeting. <br /> 9:12 a.m. Adjourned the Board of Equalization meeting and returned to the regular <br /> meeting. <br /> 3. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION -- Senator Curt Friesen representing District #34 <br /> requested to address the board. He noted that the legislature addressed a lot of <br /> emotional topics last year. He hopes that they will address property taxes this session. <br /> He addressed the following: <br /> • Issues on the clean power plant plans and the reduction of carbon emissions <br /> • Wind energy and addressed concerns on the economic impact on public owned <br /> power <br /> • Social issues will be concerns on Medicaid and if the federal government will be <br /> able to continue supporting at the 90% level <br /> • Noted concern that LB 643 for medical marijuana is a pathway to legalizing <br /> marijuana <br /> Richardson asked question regarding wind energy and Senator Friesen noted that <br /> Nebraska is #2 in the nation for wind energy. <br /> Quandt asked about raising fees for the papers that the sheriff has to serve and he will <br /> look at that. <br /> Senator Friesen stated that he supported retaining the death penalty it is a tool that can <br /> be used. <br /> County Attorney Jack Zitterkopf thanked Senator Friesen for his support on law <br /> enforcement and stated he was much more approachable on issues. <br /> Lanfear asked about the gas tax and if there was a penalty and Senator Friesen stated <br /> there was no penalty they hoped this may help the levy drop. <br /> Lancaster thanked him for coming and appreciated that he supports law enforcement <br /> and county government. She also noted the inheritance tax issue and that Hall County <br /> used these dollars for capital improvements. He stated that the counties have done a <br /> good job using the inheritance tax dollars. He is also looking at how the K— 12 schools <br /> are funded. <br /> Arnold thanked him for coming and appreciates his thoughts on how things affect local <br /> government and the unfunded mandates. He also appreciates the fact that the death <br /> penalty can be used as a tool and expressed concern on the sentencing and the <br /> number of people on probation and the cost to the county because more people are on <br /> probation. He also noted the state inmate housing is a good relationship for Hall <br /> County. Mr. Friesen stated that the state does not want to build a new prison. <br /> 3 <br />